Healthier teeth for Victoria’s Aboriginal communities
A dedicated group of Aboriginal Health Practitioners reached a major achievement to provide culturally safe care.
Aboriginal Health Practitioners (AHP) from across Victoria recently completed their final practice assessment for the AHP Fluoride Varnish Program.
The Aboriginal Health Practitioner Fluoride Varnish (AHP FV) Program is an innovative initiative delivering cost-effective preventive oral health interventions to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in culturally safe settings.
Over 4 days of training in May with DHSV and RMIT University, the group of AHPs explored simulations and hands-on practice in a clinical setting.
Last week, these dedicated Aboriginal Health Practitioners applied their theoretical knowledge in a practical setting, assessing the oral health and applying fluoride varnish to 20 children in the local community, including Yappera Children’s Service Cooperative.
Thanks to our partners at Your Community Health and South West Healthcare who provided invaluable support to deliver the final assessments.
The Aboriginal Health Practitioner Fluoride Varnish Program highlights the importance of self-determination and the delivery of healthcare in culturally safe settings. The program is funded by the Department of Health and coordinated by Dental Health Services Victoria. Training was delivered in partnership with Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations, DHSV, and RMIT University.
